Chapter 15
The atmosphere became strangely quiet as we walked towards the garden. When we arrived, more memories rushed into my head. The garden belonging to the Horps duchy was the most elaborate in the whole kingdom. The variety of flowers were endless and one sweet scent pooled around the atmosphere, making it both relaxing and pleasant to be in.
It was the very garden that made me fall in love with gardening at first.
"You seem to like it."
"It's the most beautiful place I've ever been to."
"Really? I'm glad you like it. Lady Miriam spends her free time tending to it."
"It's a fine job you've done, my lady."
She hid her face behind her now regained fan but I assumed she was blushing. We sat in a gazebo and waited for tea to come.
"So, Miss Greycastle, how long have you been working at the palace?"
"For about a month and a half."
"I have never heard about a Greycastle family. Where is it?"
"I'm from a far kingdom. My family is dead and our title revoked. I moved here alone 5 years ago."
"It must've been a tough, lonely journey. How did you survive?"
"....I roamed around the streets for a bit before I was picked up by Lady Andrella."
It was a big thing to confess to noble ladies that I was once a courtesan. There was no one in the kingdom who didn't know Lady Andrella, given her position and closeness to the nobility.
They gave each other brief looks and for once, I didn't see the judgement and disgust I was expecting. They didn't even look phased.
"It must've been hard."
The memories of the sex party overlapped with my childhood memories. It felt like my head was slowly becoming tainted.
"You have no idea." I chuckled dryly.
"How did you become the prince's nurse?"
"The King came to our house and the prince wandered from his hold. I happened to find him first, treat him and he got attached to me so the King requested I be his nurse."
I just wasn't expecting the hostile treatment and isolation.
"So, basically, you know nothing about the situation of the prince?"
"No. I heard he was a herald of ill luck but I hardly believe it. The things that have happened to us have all been man made."
"Ha! Hahahaha! Do you hear that, my lady? Do you hear that?"
Lady Geraldine's laugh was not of amusement. There was thick, raw emotion in the laugh she choked out. Lady Miriam's fan was clutched tightly in her hand, her eyes glazed over.
"Miss Greycastle, if you want to know about Queen Moriah and the situation of the young prince, you can come over some other time... No, I'll send you an invite from the estate. You have brought us wonderful news."
"I'm happy to help."
"May I call you Elayne?"
"Yes you may, my lady."
"Alright, you can call me Geraldine."
"I-I couldn't, my lady!"
"From now on, you and I are friends. There should be no problem calling your friends by their name, is there?"
I wanted to protest again but an incessant tapping on the table caught our attention. Lady Miriam was pouting again.
"Of course, forgive me my lady. She wants you to be her friend too. But with her position, you cannot call her by her name. I'm sorry, my lady."
She tapped even harder.
"There is nothing I can do about it, my lady. You're so high up, we cannot dare to call your precious name."
Lady Miriam finally had enough and whacked Lady Geraldine with her fan. The latter laughed, fighting off the annoyed princess. Their relationship was nothing short of amazing, from what I could see. It was like Lady Geraldine knew all Lady Miriam wanted to say from the simplest of gestures. Their communication superseded barriers.
I was reminded again once upon a time, that I too possessed people I referred to as bosom buddies. Now, I was left in their past.
A servant ran into the gazebo towards Lady Geraldine. She leaned and whispered something in her ears. A broad smile formed on her lips as she listened and her eyes lingered on me for a while. She dismissed the servant and picked her teacup with trembling hands.
"I have just received news that the prince is okay."
"Really?!" I shot out of my chair. Lady Geraldine smiled and nodded.
"C-Can I go see him?"
"Not now. He has to rest for a few hours before he can be seen by anyone. You can finally be at ease, Elayne."
"Really?"
I released a breath I didn't even know I was holding. Knowing he was going to be fine made me deflate on the chair.
"We have to celebrate!"
"I'm sure there's no need for that -"
"Nonsense! Let's celebrate!"
Lady Geraldine could be forceful if she wanted. Still, her actions were rooted in love. At least, that's what I thought it was. I was forced to stay over in the estate where Lady Geraldine declared a sleepover.... That was promptly disbanded when Lady Miriam was summoned to work.
The next day, I was allowed to see the prince. He still looked pale and drained of strength but he managed to muster a smile when he saw me. I gave one back, restraining myself from sweeping him into my arms. I turned to the doctor and lowered my head.
"Thank you so much for saving his life."
"It was hard but if he rests appropriately, he will recover fully. He also showed signs of internal injuries so I'll give you medicine for that."
"I don't know how to thank you."
"Oh, you don't have to worry about that. Lady Geraldine here promised to cover the bill."
"I am grateful for all you've done. I swear on my family's honor I will return the favor in full."
"Haha, there's no need for that. We're friends, friends..." Lady Geraldine waved me off.
"Monsters like you have friends?"
The smile on Lady Geraldine's face twitched.
"Pardon me, Doctor Rivers, what are you talking about?"
"I'm just saying you must've tricked this poor soul into being your 'friend'. How else would they be able to stand someone with a personality like yours? That's why you cannot get married." Dr. Rivers shrugged carelessly.
In an instant, a firm pair of hands wrapped around Dr. River's neck, squeezing relentlessly. Surprised, I looked back to see if Lady Miriam would stop them but she just looked on, amused.
"Before you start complaining about me getting married, why don't you land a husband first, stupid?"
"See... monster..."
Even in a chokehold, Dr. Rivers insisted on annoying Lady Geraldine further. She held her in that position for a few more minutes before letting go. The poor doctor with her face all red coughed a few times before sitting like nothing happened. Lady Geraldine adjusted her dress and fanned herself. I blinked, questioning everything.
"If I spend any more time here, I'll kill that quack! Let's go, Elayne."
"Y-Yes of course."
While we were leaving, Prince Miyon was fast asleep, the doctor was still facing her desk and it strangely looked like Lady Miriam was giggling.